The Daily Star Ireland
Ireland’s top food and drink producers were celebrated this weekend as Blas na hÉireann, the prestigious Irish Food Awards, revealed its 2025 winners following four days of festivities in Dingle, Co. Kerry (Daingean Uí Chúis). The event, which ran from October 2–5, marked the 18th edition of what has become one of the most anticipated dates on Ireland’s culinary calendar.
A Celebration of Irish Excellence in Food and Drink
Often described as a showcase of Ireland’s rich culinary talent, Blas na hÉireann is the country’s largest blind-tasting competition, judged by a diverse panel of experts including chefs, restaurateurs, food writers, academics, and passionate home cooks. This year’s competition drew more than 3,000 entries spanning all 32 counties, each competing for bronze, silver, and gold medals across 180 categories.
Beyond the individual category winners, two coveted honours dominate the ceremony each year: the Supreme Champion Award, sponsored by Bord Bia, and the Best Artisan Producer Award, sponsored by the LEO Network. These distinctions celebrate both innovation and enduring quality in Irish food craftsmanship.
Supreme Champion: Bon Chocolatiers from Co. Offaly
This year’s Supreme Champion title was awarded to Bon Chocolatiers, a boutique chocolate company from Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Founded in 2020 by chefs Georgia Quealy and Daniel Linehan, the pair first met while training as chefs and later honed their skills in Michelin-starred kitchens under the mentorship of pastry legends Amaury Guichon and Vincent Valée.
During the pandemic lockdown, the duo launched Bon Chocolatiers, blending artistry and technical precision to create handmade chocolates that have quickly gained national acclaim. Their philosophy centers on using ethically sourced French, Swiss, and Ghanaian cocoa alongside premium Irish ingredients — from local butter and cream to foraged berries, Wicklow mint, and Oriel sea salt.
Within just a few short years, Bon Chocolatiers have transformed their passion for pastry into a celebrated business, crafting confections that balance luxury, sustainability, and innovation.
Best Artisan Producer: Cashel Blue from Co. Tipperary
The Best Artisan Producer Award went to Cashel Blue, one of Ireland’s most iconic farmhouse cheeses, produced by the Grubb family for more than 40 years in Beechmount Farm, Co. Tipperary. Originally created by Louis and Jane Grubb in 1984, the blue cheese has since passed into the capable hands of their daughter Sarah and her husband Sergio Furno, who now manage production and maturation while preserving the family’s rich cheesemaking heritage.
Cashel Blue’s success lies in its connection to the land. Made from milk produced on the family’s 200-acre Tipperary farm, the cheese is crafted to reflect the character and quality of Ireland’s grass-fed dairy. Over the decades, it has become synonymous with Irish food excellence, known for its creamy texture, distinct flavour, and commitment to traditional methods.
Honouring Tradition and Innovation
Blas na hÉireann Chairperson Artie Clifford praised the contrast between this year’s two headline winners, describing them as “representative of Ireland’s full flavour spectrum.”
“From the bold, savoury depth of a world-famous blue cheese made by a second-generation family, to the refined sweetness of hand-crafted chocolates from a young couple embarking on their business journey — these winners reflect the heart of Irish food culture,” Clifford said.
As Blas na hÉireann continues to grow, it remains a vital platform for both emerging artisans and established producers to gain recognition at home and abroad. The 2025 awards once again highlight the extraordinary creativity, resilience, and quality that define Ireland’s food landscape.
